177,216 research outputs found
Influence of human resource practices on performance of part time lecturers in public universities in Kenya: a survey of rongo and kisii universities
No full textIn Kenya, public universities employ a large number of part-time lectures due to shortage of full time lectures. However studies have shown that part-timing can be counterproductive. Factors that have led to increased usage of part time lecturers are that they less costly and flexible. According to the Commission for University Education, the universities should adopt and practice prudent human resource practices. Previous studies in Kenya have not explored the issue of part time lecturers. This study aimed at investigating the influence of human resource practices on the performance of part-timers in Rongo and Kisii Universities. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of recruitment and selection, training and development and employee compensation of part time lecturers. This study was guided Goal-setting theory, Expectancy theory, and Human Capital theory. Empirical review was done in line with the study objectives. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The target population comprised of 740 part-time lecturers across all schools at Rongo and Kisii Universities. Using Taro Yamane statistical formulae for determining sample size, the tabulated sample comprised of 260 respondents who were proportionately allocated based on the schools in the respective universities. The study collected primary data using a closed ended questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. The validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire was ascertained by Cronbach Alpha method which ascertained 0.7. The data collected was analyzed by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were analyzed by using regression, correlation and anova, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics were analyzed thematically. Regression analysis was undertaken to determine the influence of each variable and their combined influence on performance of part time lecturers. The results were presented on pie chart, bar chart, percentage and tables. The study established that compensation (r = 0.444) and recruitment and selection (r = 0.318) positively influenced performance of part-time lecturers. Further, it was established that employee training and development of lecturers (r = 0.070) had insignificant influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The R2 value of 0.63362 implied that 63.36% of the variations in performance of part-time lecturers could be explained by the variations in independent variables. The study concluded that the influence of recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities had positive influence; the influence of training and development on performance of part-time lecturers had the least positive influence on performance of part timers; influence of employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers had positive influence. While training and development had the least positive influence on performance of part-time lecturers. The study recommends that on recruitment and selection on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the universities should establish effective and structured recruitment and selection processes. On the influence of training and development the study recommended induction programs for part-time lecturers to align skills and experiences with university routines objectives. On employee compensation on performance of part time lecturers in Rongo and Kisii Universities the study recommended development and implementation of competitive compensation packages
Employee Motivation on the Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Rongo Sub-County
No full textThe purpose of taking students to secondary schools is to enhance the chances of their mobility to tertiary institutions to facilitate their qualification as employable human capital with defined certification. Secondary schools in Rongo Sub-county recorded consistent decline in KCSE results, a trend that was depressing for stakeholders. This study aimed at establishing the influence of employee motivation on performance of public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the influence of learning facilities, tangible rewards and employee recognition on the performance of public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-county. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 690 teachers drawn from public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County from whom a sample size of 253 teachers was systematically selected for the study using Yamane formula (Yamane, 1967). Simple random sampling was used to select the number of teachers from each school. The study was anchored upon Motivation Hygiene Theory supported with Goal Setting Theory and Expectancy Theory. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics included the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. On the other hand, Inferential statistics involved Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Validity was established through consultation with experts, supervisors and faculty members who advised on their construction. The reliability test used the Cronbach alpha coefficient with a threshold of 0.70 indicating satisfactory instrument reliability. The Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient obtained in this study was 0.736. The study found out that there was a moderate significant influence of learning facilities on the performance of public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County (r = .554; p≤ .05); there was a moderate significant influence of tangible rewards on the performance of public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County (r = .437; p≤ .05); and there was a significant influence of recognition on the performance of public secondary schools in Rongo Sub-County (r = .424; p≤ .05). The regression results revealed a strong degree of positive correlation (r= .825; p≤ .05) between Staff Motivation and School Performance. It showed that approximately 68.1% of the variation in School Performance was attributed to variation in employee motivation. The study concluded that there was a significant influence of employee motivation on performance of public secondary schools. The study recommends that educational stakeholders should provide adequate learning facilities, reward and recognition of teachers in order to enhance secondary schools performance
Differences in craniofacial growth of Class II individuals from different decades: A retrospective study
No full textAbstract
Objectives: To detect changes in mandibular growth between a historical group (HG)
from the American Association of Orthodontics Foundation Craniofacial Growth
Legacy Collection (AAOF Legacy) and a contemporary group (CG) of normodivergent
or hypodivergent Class II untreated subjects.
Setting and Sample Population.: The sample included radiographs from the AAOF
Legacy and from the University of Naples ‘Federico II’ collected during a previous RCT.
Materials & Methods: The HG was composed of 26 individuals (around 1960) from the
AAOF Legacy (15 from theBurlington Growth Study, nine from the Oregon Growth Study
and two from the Michigan Growth Study) who were matched by sex, age and race with
the 26 individuals of the CG (around 2010). Two lateral cephalograms obtained at T0 and
T1 (12 months) were selected, and one examiner performed the cephalometric measure‐
ments according to Pancherz's method. The normal distribution of data was confirmed
by the Shapiro‐Wilk test, MANOVA analysis and t test for paired and unpaired data were
performed. The level of significance was set according to Bonferroni's correction.
Results: At T0 and T1, the between‐group comparisons revealed greater linear di‐
mensions for Maxillary base, Maxillary incisor and Mandibular incisor in the CG than in
the HG (P ≤ 0.002). No significant difference was found in the growth rate for linear
skeletal measurement between the HG and the CG.
Conclusions: In this study, the cephalometric analysis showed larger maxillary dimen‐
sions for the CG than the HG, while no differences were shown between the growth
rate and direction of the two groups
Impact of functional orthodontic treatment on facial attractiveness of children with Class II division 1 malocclusion
No full textBackground/objectives: Whether orthodontic treatment with functional appliances improves facial aesthetics is still under debate. This study aimed to determine whether functional orthodontic treatment improves the facial attractiveness of patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion. Materials/method: Extraoral lateral photographs of 20 children with Class I (CLI, 11.7 ± 0.8 years), and before (T1) and after treatment (T2) photographs of patients with Class II division 1 (CLII T1 and CLIIT2; mean age ± SD = 11.1 ± 0.6 years) treated with functional appliances, were transformed into black silhouettes. Three panels of examiners including 30 orthodontists (39.0 ± 10.1 years), 30 dentists (40.0 ± 9.7) and 30 laypersons (39.0 ± 9.2) evaluated the attractiveness of patients’ silhouettes using a 100-mm visual analogue scale, and the sagittal position of patients’ upper lip, lower lip, and chin using a 3-point Likert scale.Two-way ANOVA and a chi-square test were used to test differences among groups. Statistically significance was set as P < 0.05. Results: The silhouettes of CLIIT2 individuals were more attractive than those of the other groups (all Ps < 0.001).The upper lip, lower lip, and the chin of these individuals were judged to be normally positioned in 69.5 per cent, 74.9 per cent, and 72.3 per cent of the assessments, respectively (all Ps < 0.05). Limitations: This study did not account for the psychological profile of the examiners, which may have affected the ratings. Conclusions/implications: Orthodontic treatment with functional appliances is associated with a superior facial profile attractiveness. Functional treatment should be considered as a treatment option to improve the facial appearance of children with Class II division 1 malocclusion
Evaluation of Rongo Atea: Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Centre for Adolescents
No full textAbstract Rongo Ātea is a residential abstinence-based Kaupapa Māori alcohol and other drug programme accommodating youth between the ages of 13 and 17. This evaluation investigates the role that staff play at Rongo Ātea along with a number of other factors including the physical environment; stages of change; programme implementation and aftercare. As a Kaupapa Māori programme, the role of how culture and identity can influence positive change is also explored along with the development of a youth-focused approach. I utilised a three phase framework borrowed from the work of Mason Durie (2008) to organise themes. These three phases, which Durie (2008) based on marae encounters, include Whakapiri (Engagement); Whakamarama (Enlightenment); and Whakamana (Empowerment) as they aptly reflect a three phase intervention approach: detoxification and early programme engagement; learning and development through ongoing programme commitment; and post treatment outcomes and aftercare. The data collection phase of this evaluation took place in 2006 and was initiated by the manager of Rongo Ātea who requested an evaluation to identify programme strengths and limitations from the perspectives of staff and students, and to make recommendations to Rongo Ātea that would assist with further programme developments. I utilised a collaborative and participatory approach (Bishop, 1996; Patton, 1990). Kaupapa Māori research principles were reflected in the use of ‘kanohi kitea’— face to face contact (Smith, 1999). With appropriate training and management support, staff could have a greater influence on programme outcomes. Evaluation findings suggest that drug and alcohol intervention and treatment for young people in New Zealand is significantly under-resourced, particularly in the areas of detoxification and aftercare. To be effective, residential treatment programmes should consist of a three stage programme covering detoxification; treatment; and aftercare incorporating an integrated approach. A greater emphasis on working with whānau alongside the young person is recommended
Occlusion, orthodontics, and temporomandibular disorders: Cutting edge of the current evidence
No full textThe relationship between occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) represents one of the major controversies reported in the scientific literature. Nevertheless, sound evidence from large population-based surveys point toward weak and inconsistent associations, supporting that the role of the occlusion in the etiology of TMD should not be overstated. Also, despite the type of device, traditional orthodontic treatment seems to play a neutral role with regard to the onset of TMD: in particular, this therapeutic approach has been reported not to prevent or to increase the risk of TMD development. It is time to shift the concept of occlusion from a purely mechanical interpretation, based on the teeth-to-teeth relationship (peripheral input), to a broader view that includes the interpretation of the input at the level of the central nervous system. In this context, patients’ individual adaptability must be considered by clinicians to prevent iatrogenic maladaptive behaviors. Indeed, orthodontists and general dentists should be aware about the multifactorial etiology of TMD and should be instructed regarding the available tools to manage patients before, during, and after any dental or orthodontic intervention
Impact of skeletal divergence on oral health-related quality of life and self-reported jaw function
No full textObjective: To investigate the differences in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-reported jaw function between patients with hyperdivergent and normodivergent facial types. Methods: Eighty patients with a distinctively hyperdivergent facial type (mandibular plane angle greater than 2 standard deviations, or 42 degrees) and 80 controls were individually matched according to age, sex, ethnicity, and treatment stage. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires such as the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-8). Results: The mean age of the patients was 17.2 +/- 4.6 years (range, 12-49 years), with most (65.0%) being female and of New Zealand European origin (91.3%). Individuals with hyperdivergent facial types had higher overall and social domain scores on the OHIP-14 (p 0.05). Conclusions: Jaw function appears to be similar in individuals with hyperdivergent and normodivergent facial morphologies. However, those with hyperdivergent facial types are more likely to self-report poorer OHRQoL than are those with normal faces, especially in relation to social aspects
Meta-model Assisted Evolutionary Optimization of Cellular Automata: An Application to the SCIARA Model
No full textThe automatic optimization of Cellular Automata (CA) models often requires a large number of time-consuming simulations before an acceptable solution can be found. As a result, CA optimization processes may involve significant computational resources. In this paper we investigate the possibility of speeding up a CA calibration through the approach of meta-model assisted search, which is widely used in many fields. The adopted technique relies on inexpensive surrogate functions able to approximate the fitness corresponding to the CA simulations. The calibration exercise presented here refers to SCIARA, a CA for the simulation of lava flows. According to the preliminary results, the use of meta-models enables to achieve a significant gain in computational time
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